2020
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage

CONTENTS
In FY2017, which marked the 10th
anniversary of its establishment,
the NICH adopted a new logo.
Logo concept: Linkage
The logo design combines knotted
cords with a shape resembling the
DNA double helix.
The knotted cords represent
linkage between people andcultures (i.e. cultural heritage),while the DNA represents linkage
between past, present and future(i.e. cultural transmission).
The logo represents the core
mission of the NICH, which is tofoster an in-depth understandingof cultural DNA and transmit
awareness of the importance of
cultural heritage to people all over
the world.

Cover Photos
Tokyo National Museum:
Folding screen, Pine Grove by
the Seashore, Important Cultural
Property, Muromachi period, 16th
century
Kyoto National Museum:
Lotus Sutra Vol. 5 (booklet), Important Cultural Property, Heian Period,
12th Century
Nara National Museum:
Dressed-Up Male Haniwa Figure,
Kofun Period, 6th Century

Message …………………………………………………………………………1

Ⅰ

Organization ………………………………………………………………2

Ⅱ

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ………3

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ……7Ⅳ

Activities of Each Institution

Ⅴ

Reference Materials ………………………………………………… 26

Ⅵ

Information about Donations and Membership ……………… 28

１

Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japanʼs History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally ………………………………… 7（１）
Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, andTransmission of Tangible Cultural Properties to Future
Generations
Acquisition
Conservation and Restoration（２）
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Number of Visitors（３）
Education（４）
Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural Properties (Namely ﬁne and applied arts), and Educational Activities（５）
Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
２ Implementing Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection ofCultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage …………………………… 9（１）
Research Leading to New ldeas（２）
Basic Research for the Improvement of Research andDevelopment Utilizing Science and Technology（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation ofCultural Heritage（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural
Properties, and Publicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys andResearch（５）
Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local
Government Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties
３ New Projects ……………………………………………………………………………… 10（１）
The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties（２）
National Task Force for the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk
Mitigation Network (CH-DRM Net), Japan（３）
Japan Cultural Expo

Kyushu National Museum:
Chinese Junk and Nanban
Ships, Edo period, 17th century
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties:
Lion dance performance of Okinawa
at the Shisimai Forum 2020
Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties:
On-Site presentation at the Eastern
Administrative Of fice Sector of
Nara Palace Site
International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Paciﬁc Region (IRCI):
Feasibility Study on the ICH's
Contribution towards SDGs
project (The Philippines)

Directors
Organizational Chart
Number of Staﬀ

Tokyo National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 12
Kyoto National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 14
Nara National Museum ………………………………………………………………… 16
Kyushu National Museum …………………………………………………………… 18
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 20
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 22
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Paciﬁc Region（IRCI）…………………………… 24
External Evaluation Board
Number of Staﬀ
BudgetIncome from External Sources

Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental
Diversifying Visitor Experiences

Message
MATSUMURA Keiji
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage(Director General, Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties)

We have faced an unprecedented situation due to the global spread of the novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the declaration of a state of emergency in our country.
Consequently, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for this year
have been postponed, which has also resulted in the unavoidable postponement orcancellation of many of the exhibitions planned by the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage (NICH) in line with the sporting events.
We have been gradually resuming our daily lives following the eventual lifting of thestate of emergency in Japan. However, our circumstances have changed significantly
as we are obliged to adopt strict measures to prevent the spread of infections, including
wearing a mask, maintaining a social (physical) distance, and avoiding the“3Cs”(closed
spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings).
This fiscal year marks the final year of the implementation period for the NICH’s Fourth Medium-term Plan that began in 2016. Starting with the Tohaku New Era Plan
that was initiated by the Tokyo National Museum at the end of FY 2018, other National
Museums in Kyoto, Nara, and Kyushu will also start working on their own distinctive New
Era Plan. Meanwhile, we are exploring the best ways of adapting museums and archives
for the new era following the COVID-19 outbreak and are actively taking measures toprevent the spread of infections in line with the“Guidelines for Preventing the Spreadof Novel Coronavirus Disease in Museums”formulated by the Japanese Association ofMuseums. We will also endeavor to further promote multilingualization and improve ourservices, aiming to be a museum that is open to the world.
The NICH will make further efforts to promote and deepen the understanding ofJapanese culture by responding appropriately to the demands of the times while also
proactively disseminating the value and appeal of cultural heritage both at home andabroad.
We would kindly request your continued support and cooperation.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

1

Ⅰ Organization
Directors（As of April 1, 2020）
HAYASHIDA Suma: Director
KURUSHIMA Noriko: Auditor
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor

MATSUMURA Keiji: President (and Executive Director of the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
SUGINO Tsuyoshi: Director
SHIMATANI Hiroyuki: Director (and Executive Director, Kyushu National Museum)

Organizational Chart
National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

President

AuditorResearch Coordinator

Audit Oﬃce

Deputy Director-general
Secretary - General

Directors

General Aﬀairs

Vice Director

Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations DivisionPreparatory Oﬃce for National
Task Force for the Cultural Heritage
Disaster Risk Mitigation Network
Center (provisional name)National Center for the Promotionof Cultural Properties

Kyoto National
MuseumTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director

Administration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Special Research
Chair, Editors Officefor the 150-Year
History of Tokyo
National Museum
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Board

Nara National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division

GeneralAﬀairs Division

Curatorial
Board

Curatorial
Division

SpecialResearch
Chair

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch,
Support andPromotion

Management
SectionAdministration
Division

Department of
Art Research,Archives andInformation
Systems

Collaboration
Promotion
Division

Planning Division
MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

Deputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch
Support andPromotion

Deputy Director
GeneralResearch
SupportDivision

Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage

Department ofPlanning and
Coordination

Center forConservation
Science

Department ofCultural Heritage

Japan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseumNumber of Staff
Division
Total

Total staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

Specialists

Curators/
Researchers

387

148

19

14

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

26

25

0

0

1

National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties

25

6

0

4

15

Tokyo National Museum

106

36

11

8

51

Kyoto National Museum

42

18

5

1

18

Nara National Museum

32

14

3

0

15

Kyushu National Museum

26

10

0

0

16

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

42

8

0

0

34

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

84

28

0

1

55

4

3

0

0

1

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region

206（As of April 1, 2020）

2

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Ⅱ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, was formed in April 2007 through themerging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: the conservation
and utilization of cultural properties. With the addition of the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Paciﬁc Region, which was established in October 2011, the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage now comprise a totalof seven separate institutions.
Japan s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more eﬀectively and eﬃciently under uniﬁed management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles:

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japanʼs foremost museum in thehumanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages,
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

Kyoto National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays
cultural properties, while also
conducting research and providing
educational programs. The focus ison works from the Heian period to
the Edo period. a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays culturalproperties, while also conducting research and providing educational programming. The focus is Buddhist art
and the cultural properties of Nara.

Kyushu National Museum

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts research
on Japanese cultural properties, utilizing
a variety of methods. In addition to publicizing and utilizing the results of thisresearch, as an international center forcooperation, the institute also facilitates
global research into the protection ofcultural properties.

In order to preserve and utilize culturalproperties, the areas of archeology, history,architecture, garden, and conservation
collaborate with each other to conduct
comprehensive surveys and research atvarious sites, including the Nara Palaceand Asuka/Fujiwara Palace sites as wellas ancient temples and shrines, such as
the great temples of Nara. At the sametime, the Institute cooperates and adviseson the conservation and utilization of both
domestic and overseas cultural properties.

Kyushu National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting
research and providing educational programs. The focus is on cultural assets
related to Japan s cultural exchanges
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Paciﬁc Region
This institution promotes researchthat contributes to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the AsiaPacific region, and also collects anddisseminates information relating tointernational trends in the safeguarding of ICH.

Tokyo National Museum
13‑9 Ueno Park,
Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110‑8712

Access▲ To JRUguisudani
StationInternational
Library ofChildren’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationWest
GateTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

https://www.tnm.jp/

Police Box

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Park Exit

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

JR UenoStationPhone: +81‑3‑3822‑1111

National Museumof Nature andScience
FountainTokyo Metro
Ueno Station

To Keisei Ueno Station ▼Visitor Information

Hours：9:30‒17:00※Open until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
Closed：Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday and closed on Tuesday). However, the Museum will be open on March
29, 2021.
During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 26‒January 1), December 22 (Tue)※Please note that opening days and hours are subject to change due tospecial exhibitions and events●Train10 minute walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station or fromthe South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station. 15 minute walk from
Ueno Station or Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro), or from Keisei
Ueno Station (Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Line).

Admission: Adults: 1,000 yen
University students: 500 yen※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver are
admitted free
※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to regular exhibitions※Admission to regular exhibitions is free on International Museum
Day (May 18 or the following day if May 18 falls on a Monday),Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September), andCulture Day (November 3).

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20203

Phone: +81‑75‑541‑1151(Main switchboard)
https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

JR Kyoto
StationKennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abataetYamaStre tooji
etKaw
Stre aramachietShichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

605‑0931 Japan

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleRiver

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Kamo

Gojo Street

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
ShichonStati

Subway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
StreetKyoto National Museum

Karasuma
StreetAccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation:●Bus

Visitor Information

At Kyoto Station, take City Bus #100 from bus platform D1

Hours: Collection Galleries: 9:30‒17:00

or City Bus #206 or #208 from bus platform D2. Get oﬀ at

Special Exhibitions: 9:30‒18:00

the Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop in front of※The Gardens are open 9:30‒17:00

the Museum.

※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing●TrainClosed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday andKintetsu Railway: Get oﬀ at Tanbabashi Station and transferclosed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New Year holiday (December

to the Keihan Railway. From Keihan Tanbabashi Station take28‒January 1)

a Demachi-yanagi-bound train to Shichijo Station. Walk east-※The Collection Galleries may be closed while Special Exhibitions are being prepared

ward along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about 7 minutes toor dismantled.

the Museum.

※Additionally, the Museum may be closed temporarily.

Keihan Railway: Get oﬀ at Shichijo Station. Walk eastward

Admission: Admission: Adults: 700 yen

along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about 7 minutes to the

University students: 350 yen

Museum.

※ A separate admission charge applies during periods when only Special

Hankyu Railway: Get oﬀ at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station. Walk

Exhibitions, the Collection Galleries, and the Museum Gardens are open to

eastward over the bridge to the Keihan Railway Gion Shijo

visitors.

Station. Take an Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Sta-

※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver are admitted freetion. Walk eastward along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Collection Galleries

7 minutes to the Museum.
Parking: The museum has limited parking at an hourly rate.
Please use public transportation whenever possible.

AccessNara National Museum

Todaiji
TempleN
W

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpass

E
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara CityJR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630‑8213
Phone: +81‑742‑22‑7771(Main switchboard)

Sanjo Street

https://www.narahaku.go.jp/

Visitor Information
Hours: 9:30‒17:00※On Fridays and Saturdays (excluding the year-end and New Year holi-

KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum卍

Gangoji
Temple●TrainKintetsu Line: 15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station.
●Bus
Take the Nara City Loop Line from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station to the Himuro Jinja/Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan bus stop.

Admission: Adults: 700 yen

day period) Permanent Collection exhibitions and feature exhibitions

University students: 350 yen

are open until 20:00※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Opening hours are occasionally extended during special seasonal
events in the Nara area
※Opening hours for special exhibitions and joint exhibitions vary by exhibition※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiverare admitted free
※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Permanent Collection exhibitions※Free admission to the Permanent Collection exhibitions on

Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on

International Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if

Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New

May 18 falls on a Monday), Kansai Culture Day, the day ofYear holiday (December 28‒January 1)

the Owatari-Shiki procession in the On-Matsuri Festival, and※The Museum may also be closed on other days due to special cir-on Setsubun (February 3)

cumstances

4

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Kyushu National Museum

Access35

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine4‑7‑2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, 818‑0118
Phone: +81‑92‑918‑2807

Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine(Main switchboard)
www.kyuhaku.jp¯¯
Komyozenji
Temple76
Chikushino-Dazaifu Line

●TrainVisitor Information

Nishitetsu Rail Line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin)
Station, take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Ni-

Hours: 9:30‒17:00※Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays

shitetsu Futsukaichi Station (about 16 minutes on the
Limited Express, 18 minutes on an Express train), and※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing

transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (about 5 minutes), and get oﬀ at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. About a

Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday andclosed on Tuesday) and during the year-end holiday (December 24‒31)

10 minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.

Admission: Adults: 700 yen*No extra charge is required for taking the Limited Ex-

University students: 350 yenpress or an Express train.
JR Line: From JR Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshi-) indicates prices for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more

※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions

ma Chuo Line (about 15 minutes on the Rapid train) andget oﬀ at JR Futsukaichi Station. Transfer to Nishitetsu※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition(permanent exhibition)

Futsukaichi Station on foot (12 minutes) or by bus (5minutes). Take the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line and get oﬀ at※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on Childrenʼs Day (May 5),
International Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if May 18 falls on a
Monday), and Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September)

Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. The Museum is a 10 minute
walk from the Station.
●Car
On the Kyushu Expressway, about a 20 minute drivefrom either Dazaifu I.C. or Chikushino I.C. via Takao Intersection. On the Fukuoka Urban Expressway, about a 20
minute drive from Mizuki exit via Takao Intersection.
●Taxi
About 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or 30
minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
●Nishitetsu Bus
From the Hakata Bus Terminal (bus stop no. 11), takethe bus to Dazaifu and get oﬀ at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station (the bus ride is about 40 minutes). The Museum is
a 10 minute walk from the Station.

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties
卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleUeno juniorHigh School
International Library ofchildren’s Literature

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial HallThe University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Shinobugaoka
Junior High School

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Ueno park

National Museumof Nature andScienceNational Museumof Western Art

Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

https://www.tobunken.go.jp/←To Ikebukuro
Station

JR UenoStationPhone: +81‑3‑3823‑2241

Access↑13‑43 Ueno Park,Taito-ku,Tokyo, 110‑8713

Park Exit※(

KyushuNational
Museum●Train
JR Line: 10 minute walk from the South Exit of
Uguisudani Station, or 15 minute walk from thePark Exit of Ueno Station.
Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line: 20 minute walkfrom Ueno Station.
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 20 minute walk from
Nezu Station.
Keisei Line: 20 minute walk from Keisei Ueno
Station.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

5

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties
AccessNara Area

Asuka and Fujiwara Areao→Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka LineThe Institute and the Nara Palace Site Museum●TrainKintetsu Line: 10 minutes from the North Exit of
Yamato Saidaiji Station.
●Bus
From JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations, take the Nara
Kotsu Bus and get oﬀ at the Nijocho bus stop.

Visitor Information(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Route 169

Omiya St.

To Kintetsu Nara→

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

Shin Omiya
Sta.

JR-WestＮara Sta.

e←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Nara Lin

Ichijo St

Mt AmanokaguyamaaKintetsu

To Sakurai→
To Sakurai→

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Palace Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

SuzakuGate

Miminashi
Sta.
JR Sakurai LineA

2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8577
Phone: +81-742-30-6733
https://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenRoute 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takada

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKa

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
Properties

zu
Ki

Y
←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi

To

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall←

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
templeDepartment of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations(Asuka/Fujiwara)●Taxi
20 minutes from Kintetsu Yamato Yagi Station.
The Asuka Historical Museum●Taxi
20 minutes from Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae
Station.
●Bus
From either Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae Station
or Kintetsu Asuka Station, take the Kame Bus andget off at the Asuka Okuyama Asuka HistoricalMuseum West bus stop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara
Kotsu Bus and get off at the Asuka HistoricalMuseum bus stop.

●Asuka Historical Museum
Hours: 9:00‒16:30 (last entry at 16:00)●Nara Palace Site Museum

Hours: 9:00‒16:30 (free admission; last entry at 16:00)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on
Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New Yearholiday (December 29‒January 3)

Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be
open on Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during theyear-end and New Year holiday (December 26‒January 3)
Admission: Adults: 350 yen

Note: Free guided tours by volunteers are available

University students: 200 yen

Phone: +81-742-30-6753 (Collaboration Promotion Division)※An additional charge may be required for special●Exhibition Room of the Fujiwara Palace Site
Hours: 9:00‒16:30 (free admission)
Closed: During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 29‒January 3) andduring exhibition renewal periods
Phone: +81-744-24-1122 (Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations for

exhibitions※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying
caregiver are admitted free
※Persons over 65 or under 18 are admitted free
Note: Guides are available (free of charge; reservations required)
Phone: +81-744-54-3561 (Asuka Historical Museum)

Asuka and Fujiwara)

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

https://www.irci.jp

N
Koy ankaia Line

JR Hanwa Line

NintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

Hankai Line
GoryomaeTennojii

Phone:+81‑72‑275‑8050

shiga

Sakai City, Osaka 590‑0802

kaih

Sa

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

City OfficeOsaka

To Kansai
Airport●TrainJR Hanwa Line: 6 minutes from Mozu Station.
●Bus
Nankai Bus: 4 minutes from the Sakaishi Hakubutsukanmae bus stop.

6

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage

The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:
Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally１（1）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Transmission of
Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects objects
according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that its collection is systematically and historically balanced.
We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to encourage donations and long-term loans from private owners,
utilizing the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or improving the inheritance tax system to make donations of objects easier.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we implement thorough management of items in the collections, and make efforts to improve the environments for these
items while working systematically to conserve them, with those requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out
through the coordinated efforts of NICH's conservators and professionals of conservation science as well as specialists (both internaland external) in the fields of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientificmethods. Conservation studios and other facilities also recognize the need to protect cultural properties from natural disasters, andare working with the government to make further preparations.

■Acquisition

We continually strive to acquire cultural properties through purchases and donations with the aim of:（1）building collections
that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections and the export oftangible cultural properties from Japan. Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines, andprivate collectors in order to further enhance their distinctive regular exhibitions.

Number of Items in the Museum Collections

Total

Total

Tokyo National Museum

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

Total

131,191 135

1,002 119,871

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
89

646（Entries）

Kyoto National Museum
Total
8,130

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
29

200

Nara National Museum Kyushu National Ｍuseum
Total

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

1,911

13

114

Nara National Research Institute holds 1 National Treasure and 4 Important Cultural Properties.

Total
1,279

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
4

42（Figures as of March 31, 2020）

Nara National
Research Institute forCultural Properties
ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
1
4

Number of Items on Long-term Loan to the Museums
Total（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
12,385

194

1,178

2,591

52

245

6,520

88

615

1,974

52

306

1,300

2

12

（Figures as of March 31, 2020）■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be conserved approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments that allow for the safe display and storage of theobjects: and full-scale treatments, carried out systematically in accordance with the conditions of the objects.

（２）Exhibitions
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends, while also taking into consideration the needs of international cultural exchange.
In addition, we are constantly striving to make our museums more visitor-friendly by extending opening hours and creating
multilingual and accessible environments, with extensive information for visitors to enhance the overall museum experience. We
are also making improvements to museum management in response to visitor feedback.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with museums overseas to hold exhibitions that introduce a variety of cultures.
Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20207

■Number of Visitors（FY 2019）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

4,251,725

2,588,632

376,061

612,755674,277

Special Exhibition, Three Kingdoms: Unveiling theStory (Kyushu National Museum)(October 1, 2019–January 5, 2020)

Special Viewing: The Imperial Throne and the AugustSeat of the Empress (Tokyo National Museum)(December 22, 2019–January 19, 2020)（３）Education and Outreach Activities
To promote understanding of the history and traditional culture of Japan and other Asian regions, we provide a variety of educational programs, such as lectures and workshops, in cooperation with schools and other educational institutions.
Furthermore, we work with universities to provide professional training and support volunteer activities with the aim of further
improving our educational programs. We also implement training programs for museum professionals, conservators, and others.
Finally, we utilize the internet to disseminate information about cultural properties, and publicize our exhibitions and educational activities through the collection, publication, and display of various types of information.

Gallery Talk at Feature Exhibition: Seeing Red!
(Kyoto National Museum)

Collaboration with Nara City Board of Education:
Learning with family about Buddha statues in Nara

(Nara National Museum)（４）R esearch on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural
Properties (Namely fine and applied arts), and Educational Activities
We conduct surveys and research relating to the collection, preservation, andexhibition of tangible cultural properties, as well as educational activities, on asystematic basis; organize international symposia to which leading researchers are invited; arrange for NICH staff to work at overseas research institutes
and attend international conferences; and conduct research while accumulating the latest information.
The results obtained from our surveys and research are publicized using avariety of methods, including publications and the internet, thereby contributing to the transmission of cultural properties to the next generation and to
the promotion of Japanese culture.

Took part as an observer in the seventh session of the
Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Protectionof the Underwater Cultural Heritage (Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural Properties and Kyushu National Museum)（５）C ontribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
When conditions allow, we loan items from our collections to museums in Japan and abroad so that they may be viewed more widely by both domestic andinternational audiences. We are also actively engaged in exchanging information and providing guidance and advice to other museums.

International Symposium: “Creating Diverse
Narratives: The Arts of Japan in European andNorth American Museums”(February 1, 2020; Tokyo National Museum)

8

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection of
２ Implementing
Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage
We undertake the following types of surveys and research to contribute to the formation of the framework of knowledge andtechniques required to facilitate the transmission of priceless cultural properties to future generations.

（１）Research Leading to New Ideas
We are engaged in undertaking fundamental and systematic research relating to cultural properties (including collaborative
research and research-related exchange with other organizations, both in Japan and overseas) and also surveys and researchthat contribute to the preservation and effective utilization of cultural properties. The results achieved through these surveys andresearch have led to an increase in the amount of basic data available, facilitated the accumulation of academic knowledge, andprovided the basic information needed to support the designation as cultural properties, while also contributing, at individual andcollective levels, to the planning and establishment of cultural property preservation measures by national and local government
bodies, as well as the evaluation of cultural properties.

A survey on the classification of folk entertainment
at “Syodon Shibaya” held in Amami Oshima(Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)

A building investigation on Ryotei Susaki in
Takayama City

(Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)（２）B asic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing
Science and Technology
We undertake the following types of research and development to support thedevelopment of research on the value and preservation of cultural properties:① We contribute to the enhancement of the accuracy and effectivenessof cultural property survey methods through the promotion of R&D work
such as the application of science and technology. We also contribute towards the clarification of the background (cultural, historical, and naturalenvironment) against which cultural properties came into being, and theprocess of change in this background over time.
②As a core research center for research relating to cultural property preservation science and restoration techniques, restoration materials, and production techniques, we work for the development of new techniques for
cultural property research, making use of the latest scientific and tech-

X-ray fluorescence analysis of corroded metal
samples (Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties)

nological developments, and promote cutting-edge surveys and researchwith the aim of fostering joint research and research-related exchangewith other institutions both in Japan and overseas.

（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
We promote the acquisition and analysis of information from abroad regarding
cultural heritage, and also promote cooperative programs for the protectionof this heritage. Additionally, we create human resources development andtechnology transfer programs for the conservation and restoration of culturalproperties. These programs involve training and the dispatch of specialists.
All of the aforementioned endeavors—which are pursued while utilizing theknowledge, technology, and experience that Japan has for the protection ofcultural heritage—are contributions of international importance. Moreover,through cooperation with researchers and other specialists in the Asia-Pacificregion, we conduct research for the protection of intangible cultural heritage
endangered by natural disasters and other threats, and promote protection ofthis heritage on an international scale. Through such activities for the protec-

Discussion at the International Researchers Forum(International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI))tion of humanity’s shared assets, we contribute to cultural exchange between
countries and to mutual understanding.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20209

（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, andPublicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys and Research
We are working to promote the digitalization of information relating to culturalproperties and expand related specialist archives, as well as organizing public
lectures and international symposia, and expanding the content included on
the websites of the individual facilities that make up the NICH, with the aim offurthering the collection, collation and preservation of information relating tocultural properties, and of ensuring that such outcomes are widely publicizedand disseminated. We are also working to expand the displays of survey andresearch results held at the Nara Palace Site Museum, Exhibition Room of
Fujiwara Imperial Site, and Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, so as to provide the general public witha more in-depth understanding of related areas.

53rd Public Lecture: “Pathway from Form, Pathway
to Form ” (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural

Properties)（５）P rovision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Government Authorities
in Relation to Cultural Properties
While contributing to the enhancement of knowledge and techniques throughthe implementation of training tailored to the needs of local government authorities by making effective use of the results obtained in past surveys andresearch, we also undertake cultivation of core human resources that willplay key roles in the preservation of Japan’s cultural properties in the future,through collaborative education projects in conjunction with university graduate schools. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, we played acentral role in activities conducted to rescue cultural properties at the request of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Making effective use of this experience, we are also undertaking research projects and capacity building aimed
at putting in place a nationwide system for coordination and collaboration soas to develop a network for safeguarding and rescuing cultural properties in

A field lecture in the basic training course on
Sedimentary Geology (Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties)

the event of future large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes.

３ New Projects
We are undertaking the following new initiatives, with the aim of properly exercising our policy implementation function as Japan’snational center for museums and cultural property research, and of ensuring that we implement policies effectively and efficiently.

（１）National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties
In July 2018, The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties(CPCP) was formally established in the headquarters of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, to serve as the national center for the display
and utilization of Japan’s cultural properties. While carefully maintaining
the right balance between conservation and use of cultural properties,
the CPCP is committed to providing opportunities for people at home andabroad to learn about Japan’s priceless cultural heritage through strengthening support for museums, galleries, and other venues.
The CPCP’s core activities are as follows.
1) Promotion of model projects and development of content which enablepeople to come in contact with cultural properties
The CPCP collaborates with private and public organizations to create

Creation and utilization of a high-definition replica (anexperience-based display combining images and thereplicas of the Merry-making under aronia blossoms
folding screens designated as a National Treasure)

reproductions of cultural properties using advanced technologies suchas virtual reality, augmented reality and 8K resolution video. These reproductions provide the public with user-friendly formats for interactingwith and learning about Japan’s cultural properties.
2) Promotion of the lending of items in the collections of national museums and provision of relevant advice
The CPCP encourages regional and local museums to exhibit the cultural properties in the collections of Japan’s National Museums andprovides consultations to assist them.
When conducting the project, the CPCP will bear the costs oftransporting art works and advertising as well as being engaged in activities to widely convey the appeal and value of cultural properties.

10

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Collection item loan promotion project by National
Museums:
Majesty of Metalwork from the Meiji Period―
Takaoka Masterpieces and Master Craftsmen in
the Meiji Period (Takaoka Art Museum, September
20-October 20, 2019)3) P romotion of the creation of cultural property digital resources anddistribution of information throughout Japan and the world
The CPCP aims to improve the user-friendliness of NICH’s digital resources by consolidating those currently maintained separately byeach national museum and research institute. These resources are being consolidated into the “e-Museum” website, a website that presents
high-resolution images of approximately 1,000 National Treasures andother important cultural properties from the collections of the National
Museums, and “ColBase,” a website that allows users to search all of
the items in the NICH-affiliated institutions’ collections.

A seminar on the survey and management of aconservation environment4) Consultation, advice, and support concerning the preservation of cultural properties
The CPCP provides research assistance, consultation services, and general inquiry assistance regarding conservation
environments of museums. The CPCP also holds workshops and seminars about storage environments and personnel
development to give other museums a reliable resource for conservation-related issues.
5) In addition, as part of our fund-raising activities, we also implement initiatives to raise funds from a wide range of sources to support projects relating to the conservation and utilization of cultural properties.

（２）National Task Force for the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Mitigation
Network (CH-DRM Net), JapanThe National Task Force for the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Mitigation
Network (CH-DRM Net), Japan started in July 2014, based on the activities of the Committee for Salvaging Cultural Properties Affected by theGreat East Japan Earthquake that occurred in March 2011. In preparation
for disasters such as large-scale earthquakes that are expected to occur inthe future, we aim to build a nationwide network for disaster risk mitigationof cultural properties. With the participation of 25 organizations, such asgroups consisting widely of domestic museums, art galleries, libraries, andarchives, networks for local historical materials, and various academic societies, we formed the Executive Committee of the Cultural Heritage Disaster
Risk Mitigation Network, contributed to the construction of local collaboration in prefectures and municipalities, and strived to expand and strengthen
the collaboration system. In February 2020, we compiled a set of “Activity
guidelines” for the Executive Committee to share information in the event of
a disaster and promptly form an effective support system.
All cultural properties exist in their respective communities. The disasterrisk mitigation of cultural properties is founded on people’s understanding of

A symposium poster for the National Task Forcefor the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Mitigation
Network (CH-DRM Net), Japanthe value of the cultural properties that exist in their local communities andthe importance of protecting and passing them on. We believe it is an important role of this project to ensure that more people will understand the significance of them working together for the disaster risk mitigation of culturalproperties.
Additionally, the NICH decided to establish Cultural Heritage Disaster
Risk Management Center Japan for the implementation of this project, in
October 2020.
Training on a quick fix for water-damaged materials（３）Japan Cultural Expo
Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs is joining forces with related local government authorities, cultural institutions,and other groups to organize the Japan Cultural Expo, which will showcase Japanese aesthetics and values both domestically and internationally. As part of theJapan Cultural Expo, art exhibitions, performing arts shows, and cultural and artistic
festivals that embody the Japanese ideal of beauty will be held throughout Japan,
making this the largest project of its kind ever implemented.
The NICH will also be participating in the Japan Cultural Expo, organizing special
exhibitions, thematic exhibitions and events to promote the diversity and broad appeal of Japanese culture, both within Japan and overseas. These activities will also
contribute to handing down and further developing Japanese arts and culture, andfurther enhance international understanding of Japan.

Logo for the Japan Cultural Expo

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 202011

Ⅳ Activities of Each Institution
Tokyo National Museum
As Japan’s foremost museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami
Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872, making it the oldest museum in Japan.
We collect, preserve, restore, and display a large number of National Treasures and Important Cultural
Properties as well as around 120,000 tangible cultural properties, mainly from Japan and various Asian
regions. We also conduct surveys and research in addition to providing educational programs on them.
The Museum is working to develop more appealing comprehensive cultural exhibitions by holding
seasonal events in addition to its display of collected and preserved works. We also run school programs,
guided tours, workshops, and various other programs that help participants appreciate cultural properties
while becoming more familiar with and further understanding them through, for example, art making
experiences.
Additionally, as Japanese culture attracts global attention, we play a central role in disseminating itto the world and strive to become a more appealing museum. To this end, we are formulating andimplementing the Tohaku New Era Plan with the goals of promoting easy-to-understand exhibitioncommentary and multilingual support as well as creating a comfortable viewing environment.
We will continue in our efforts to make the Tokyo National Museum more enjoyable for everyone,
including children and adults, as well as visitors from around the world.

■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 450 rotations annually. The regular exhibition galleries are as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): The 2nd floor provides an overview of the history of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to the
Edo period. The exhibits on the 1st floor are categorized by genre and include sculptures, ceramics, and swords.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): This building is dedicated to artworks and archeological artifacts from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, India, Egypt, and other regions.
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery located on the 1st floor displays objects, such as dogu and haniwa clay figurines as well as
bronze bells, dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room, also on the first floor, is used for thematicand educational displays.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: This building exhibits objects selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial Family by
Horyuji Temple in Nara.
HYOKEIKAN: This building has been used for special exhibitions and special events in recent years.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building was built through a bequest from one of the most renowned painters of modern Japan, Kuroda Seiki, andis used to exhibit his works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the Museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thosescheduled for fiscal year 2000 (the dates given are tentative):
・Noh Masks by the Ōno Deme and Echizen Deme Families (August 25–October 4, 2020)
・Calligraphy and Writing Paper―Beautiful Paper From the Heian Period― (September 24–November 23, 2020)
・The World of Chinese Sculpture (December 1, 2020–February 21, 2021)

Armor wearing experience at Japanese Culture
Experience: Samurai Mania! Explore JapaneseArmor at TNM

12Special Exhibition Celebrating the 40th
Anniversary of the Japan-China Cultural
Exchange Agreement, Three Kingdoms:
Unveiling the Story (July 9–September 16,2019), which enables you to experience naval
battles in the Three Kingdoms era

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Special Exhibition, The 30th Anniversary of theEnthronement: Cultural Exchanges of Their
Majesties the Emperor and Empress: Sharing
the Beauty of Japan (March 5–April 29, 2019)

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to share the results of our research and to meet visitor demand. The following are examples of special
exhibitions scheduled for the fiscal year 2020:※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
・Special Exhibition, KIMONO: Fashioning Identities (June 30–August 23, 2020)・Special Exhibition, Kōgei 2020―The Art of Crafting Beauty from Nature (September 21–November 15)
・Special Exhibition, Momoyama: Artistic Visions in a Turbulent Century (October 6–November 29)
・Special Exhibition, Japanese Architecture: Traditional Skills and Natural Materials (December 15–February 21)■Acquisition, Conser, and Restoration

The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian cultural properties with a focus
on Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, donation, and loan. We also carryout a variety of collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the future. These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display and transportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 30 full restorations and 430 emergency treatments of works annually.

■Education

To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we oﬀer opportunities for as many people aspossible to get to know the museum, and help them to develop a deeper understanding of Japanese and Asian culture. Through collaboration with schools and developing volunteer activities,
we strive to establish a pioneering model for engaging museum projects and promote eﬀective
educational programs that reflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Gallery talks, seminars, lecture series, workshops, “behind the scenes” tours introducing theMuseum’s preservation and restoration work, and other exhibition-related events.
○Educational and thematic exhibits called “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students)
Teacher training (in relation to Special Exhibitions and Regular Exhibitions)○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assistance for educational activities, visitor information, and guided tours

One of the Museum’s monthly lectures

A guided tour at Toyokan (Asian Gallery)on Kids Day■Research

We conduct research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan. Researchoutcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, Conservation, and exhibition activities. Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for cultural activities. Research conducted in fiscal year 2020 includes the following:・Research on ethnographic materials relating to the peoples of East Asia
・Joint research on the composition of silk and dyed textiles used in arts and crafts
・International joint research on feather mosaic works in Japanese art
・Special research projects on the treasures of Horyu-ji Temple donated to the Imperial
Household in 1878, including calligraphy, decorative arts, sculpture, paintings, and artifacts

Brief History

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on theoccasion of Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry
in the Yushima Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum hadeight exhibition categories at this time: natural products,
agriculture & forestation, industrial technology, art, history,
education, religion, and army and navy.
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of Kan’eiji temple.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan opened.
1923: Former Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto
Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science
Museum) and other institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: Transferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the
National Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Aﬃliated with the Agency for Cultural Aﬀairs. Toyokan opened.
1984: The Shiryokan (the Research and Information Center) opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museums, Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National
Museum.

Research into Chinese sculpture

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

23,689Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

78,49618,19911,042

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

Hyokeikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

4,864

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

16,0393,206

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

13

Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and exhibits cultural properties, while also conducting research and educational activities. It focuses on culturalproperties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto was the capitalof Japan.

SASAKI Johei
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from the relocation of the capital in794, which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
The Kyoto National Museum showcases numerous cultural properties that testify to the glory of
the city’s cultural heritage, and presents Japan’s traditional culture to the world through various
activities. We will continue to work towards the realization of the museum’s mission of spreadingawareness of Japanese traditional culture throughout the world. To this end, the museum strives toencourage people in all walks of life to take an interest in and visit the museum. Our aim is to create a“people-centric museum” that is also a “museum with deep roots in the local community.” We would
like our museum to be a place for education, a place where people can relax, a place for lifelong
learning, and also a place that will attract both domestic and overseas tourists. The new Heisei
Chishinkan Wing opened in September 2014. We anticipate that the new facilities and functions of
the Heisei Chishinkan Wing will help to make the Kyoto National Museum even more popular withvisitors.
This year, we had no choice but to make major changes to our exhibition plan due to the novel
coronavirus problem that arose immediately after we entered the new fiscal year. We sincerely hope toreturn as soon as possible to a state where you can enjoy and use our museum as usual.

■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and applied arts,and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the Museum’s 14,000 items(including items on long-term loan), and enable visitors to experience some of the most outstanding
examples of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The items on display are changed periodically, so visitors
can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
Heisei Chishinkanwing Wing
・Special Exhibition Kannon Worship: The Thirty-three Pilgrimage Sites of Western Japan (July 23–
September 13, 2020)
・Special Exhibition in Celebration of the Emperor's Enthronement Treasures from the Imperial Palace (October 10–November 23, 2020)
・Feature Exhibition Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties, The Conservation of Japanese Art (December
19, 2020–January 31, 2021)
・Feature Exhibition on the 50th Anniversary of the Ueno Memorial Foundation for the Study of Buddhist Art, The Newsman's Eye: East Asian Painting
and Calligraphy Collected by Ueno Riichi (February 2–March 7, 2021)※Please note that due to the current closure of Meiji Kotokan Hall (main mall), we are running the Collection Galleries and Special Exhibitions
alternately.

Priest Shinkyo 700th Memorial Special Exhibition－Art of the Ji Shu: A New Sect of Buddhism in the Kamakura Period (April 13–June
9, 2019)

Special Exhibition: The Thirty-six Immortal
Poets: Elegant Arts of the Classical Japanese Court (October 12–November 24, 2019)

Feature Exhibition in Celebration of ICOM
Kyoto 2019 Masterworks of the Kyoto National Museum: Temple and Shrine Treasures(August 14–September 16, 2019)■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines have been
entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in the collection
has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeological items related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately so that they
may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties,
the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties in Japan, was established in 1980
to meet that need.

14

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Restoration work underway in the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties

■Educational Activities
We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn
more about the museum’s exhibitions and collections, and to
stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.
○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including
the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It
also operates the “Museum Cart” hands-on experience
Special class to become acquainted with
Workshop by a KYO-HAKU Navigator on
booths (staffed by “KYO-HAKU Navigator” volunteers), andcultural properties! by "Cultural Property
Special Exhibition, Art of the Ji Shu: A
implements various types of workshops, as well as distribSommeliers" (September 7, 2019)
New Sect of Buddhism in the Kamakura
uting museum guide brochures, explanatory sheets, and the
Period (April 13–June 9, 2019)“Museum Dictionary,” etc.
○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・The museum organizes summer lectures, symposia and other lecture events, as well as arranging visits to elementary schools and junior highschools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property Sommeliers” making use of high-resolution digital reproductions of important works of art (Cultural Properties
School Outreach Classes), and organizing workshops in locations outside the museum.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・The collaboration between the museum and the university sector includes the Campus Members System, the giving of lectures on historical, culturaland sociological topics by our curators at the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, and the training of “Cultural
Property Sommeliers,” as well as the holding of training sessions for visit-based learning activities and teacher education.
○Support for volunteer activities
・Implementation of the “KYO-HAKU Navigator” and “Cultural Property Sommeliers” systems, and training of “KYO-HAKU Navigator” and “Cultural Property Sommeliers” volunteers.

■Research
Since 1979, the Museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural
assets owned by old temples and shrines in the Kinki region of Japan, centered on Kyoto. As part ofthese efforts, over a four-year period starting in 2016, we have been implementing a Comprehensive
Research Program on the Buddhist Culture and History of the Kawachi Region, with KAKENHI(government-funded grants-in-aid for scientific research) funding support. This program involves
conducting a survey of the cultural heritage of shrines and temples in the Osaka and Kawachi
regions. The Museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research results
are reflected in the Museum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.
KAKENHI-funded research underway atshrines and temples■Other Activities
A variety of special events are held to encourage more people to visit the Museum.
○Rakugo at the Museum
Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project, whereby performancesof Rakugo (traditional comic storytelling, which originated in Kyoto and is an important aspect ofJapanese traditional culture) are held on a regular basis.

“Rakugo at the Museum” performance

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: F irst exhibition held (May 1)
1900: R
 enamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: D onated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museumof Kyoto
1952: T ransferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: T he Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences are designated as an Important Cultural Property under
the name of the Former Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: T he Saturday lecture series starts
1980: T he Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
1997: A special ceremony was held in October to mark the 100th
anniversary of the Museum’s founding
2001: T he South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National
Museum2009: R econstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013: C onstruction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）
is completed in August
2014: H eisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September
2017: A special ceremony was held in May to mark the 120th anniversary of the Museum’s founding

Land Area

2

（m ）
			

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,224Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

53,182
31,044
5,657
4,889

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,896
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Former Administration
Building
Building Area

606

Gross Floor Area

1,988

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties
Building Area

821

Gross Floor Area

2,786Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

Building Area
811
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,471
880

North Repository

Building Area
310
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

Gross Floor Area

1,676

1,697

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 202015

Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programs. Its focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the cooperation of temples and shrines of the Nararegion, the Nara National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, andconducting research and offering educational programs on cultural properties mainly
associated with Buddhism. Through these activities, the museum has introduced
to the public the high artistic value and historical background of Japanese
Buddhist culture, unique for its syncreticism with indigenous beliefs. Keeping in
mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an organic whole with thehistorical and cultural landscape of Nara, in order to reach a wide range of people
as a conveyor of Nara’s culture, we continuously strive to promote the museum’s
international activities and a more effective use of information technology.
MATSUMOTO Nobuyuki
Executive Director
Nara National Museum■Exhibitions●Buddhist Art Exhibitions
As well as special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also exhibits distinguished masterworks of
Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture”, which displays exceptional Buddist statues
representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from aroundthe 7th century to the mid-14th century. The Ritual Bronzes Gallery connected by a corridor features fineworks of Chinese ancient bronzes. The West Wing houses ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Art”, which introduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorative art, calligraphy and artifacts.
In addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collection are occasionally held for themes that lie outside
a specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga (December 8, 2020–January 17, 2021) Dates subject to change.
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 6–March 28, 2021)●Special Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
・C elebrating the Enthronement Ceremonies of His Majesty the Emperor: The Reproduction of Shosoin Treasures—Encountering Tenpyo
Craftsmanship through the Recreation of 8th Century Works (April 18–June 14, 2020)
・The 72nd Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures ( Fall 2020*) *Dates TBD

Special Exhibition, Masterpieces from the Fujita Museum: A Brilliant Universe Reflected in a
National Treasure—Yōhen-Tenmoku Tea Bowl
and Buddhist Art (April 13–June 9, 2019)

Celebrating the Enthronement of His Majesty
the Emperor—The 71st Annual Exhibition of
Shōsō-in Treasures (October 26–November 14,

2019)

Special Exhibition, Bishamonten: Guardian of
the North (February 4–March 22, 2020)※Cancelled on February 26 to prevent the spreadof Covid-19.

■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan, by purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain an ideal environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly controlling the temperature and humidity in our
exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials such as paper and wood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive
steps to preserve these objects for future generations. For this reason, in 2002, we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties tohandle restoration projects by restorers.

16

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

■EducationalPrograms
We promote a variety of educational programs to impart upon audiences an understanding of
the importance of cultural properties.
①Programs for students
e.g.: World heritage classes (mainly for elementary school students) and educational
lectures for teachers②Lectures and seminars
e.g.: Public lectures, Sunday Talks, summer seminar series, the Shōsō-in Academic Symposium, and international symposia③Cooperation with universities and colleges
e.g.: Campus Members System, internship programs, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s
University and Kobe University④Promotion of volunteer activities

Volunteering: a guide conducting agarden tour

■ResearchandSurveyActivities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting
the foundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Reﬂected in the museum's
masterpiece exhibitions and special exhibitions, research finding play a part in our exhibition
activities. Reference materials collected through research are available to the public at the
Buddhist Art Library. In fiscal year 2020, the Nara National Museum will conduct the following
thematic research:①Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items②Research on Buddhist paintings alongside the creation of reproductions③Fundamental research on ancient Buddhist scriptures and sutra-copying④Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts and ancient arts and crafts⑤Research on artifacts excavated from ancient tombs⑥Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑦Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with theTokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties⑧Research to accompany thematic exhibitions⑨Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑩Research to contribute to educational programs inhistory and traditional culture⑪Research into the effects on cultural properties ofstorage area environments, exhibition spaces anddisplay cases⑫Research on collections and objects loaned to themuseum, from the perspective of cultural asset restoration⑬Research on collections and objects loaned to themuseum, from the perspective of conservation sciPerforming X-ray ﬂuorescence analysis
ence⑭Theory and practice-based study of establishing cultural property archives

Brief History

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under
the supervision of the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held (April 29)
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Aﬃliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Aﬃliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1973: Opening of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1998: Opening of the East Wing
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Nara National Museum
2002: Opening of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties; main building’s repository reopened as the
Ritual Bronzes Gallery
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the
Nara National Museum
2010: The main building renamed as the Nara Buddhist
Sculpture Hall
2016: Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopened after restoration (April 29)

Inside the Venue for the Shōsō-in Academic
Symposium 2019: Enthronement and the
Shōsō-inʼs Treasures

Collaboration with Nara City Board of
Education―Learn with family about
Buddha statues in Nara

Collaboration with Nara University of Education:
Creatures of F aith―Family Workshop―
Bouncing Ar ound with Sacred Animals
Jumping out! Moving! Creatures of Faith

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

78,760

Buildings

Building Area

6,769

Exhibition Buildings

Gross Floor Area

19,116

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,558

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

341
470

Gross Floor Area

664

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,522

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649
1,473

Gross Floor Area

5,396

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

718

Gross Floor Area

718

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Lower Level
Passageway

Gross Floor Area

2,152

Repository Area

164

405

Gross Floor Area

1,249

OthersBuilding Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

17

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu National Museum (Kyuhaku) opened its doors on October 16, 2005, based on the concept of“understanding the formation of Japanese culture from the Asian historical perspective.” From its opening
to date, the museum has welcomed more than 17 million visitors thanks to the great support from locals
and many other people.
In May 2019, the name of the era in Japan was changed from “Heisei” to “Reiwa.” It comes from theintroduction to the 32 “poems of plum blossoms” from the Manyoshu that describes the “plum blossom
viewing party” held in Dazaifu around 1,300 years ago. Since the name of the new era was announced,
a great number of people have visited Dazaifu, where the event took place, with many also coming toKyuhaku. In 2020, the museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary and in the new eras to come it willcontinue to widely convey the charm of valuable cultural properties inherited from our predecessors. We
also aim to be a friendly museum for everyone with the goal of being “more fun than the classroom, easierto understand than a textbook.”

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum■Exhibitions●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, Feature Exhibitions
are held in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition Gallery. We also strive to create more dynamic and in-depth exhibitions
through the use of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions

Cultural Exchange Exhibitions(permanent exhibition)

The feature exhibitions scheduled for FY 2020 are as follows:・Feature Exhibition, The Wild World of Kyuhaku (June 2–July 12, 2020)
・Feature Exhibition Celebrating 15 Years of Kyushu National Museum, Worship in Tsukushi, Commemorating 100
Years of the Dazaifu Historical Site Designation (June 2–August 30, 2020)
・Feature Exhibition Celebrating 15 Years of Kyushu National Museum, Yamato: The Cradle of Japanese Civilization(July 28–December 20, 2020)
・Celebrating 15 Years of Kyushu National Museum, Treasures from the Tearoom, Prized Textiles of the Maeda
Clan(December 1, 2020– January 24, 2021)
・Feature Exhibition, The Stories of Tenjin (provisional title) (February 2–March 28, 2021)●Special Exhibitions＊The exhibition dates are subject to change.
We plan and hold special exhibitions that beginners can fully enjoy and connoisseurs will enjoy even more. The special
exhibitions scheduled for FY 2020 are as follows.
・National Treasures from Chūgū-ji (January 26-March 21, 2021)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties●Collection

Feature Exhibition, Sarasa: Life
Blooms On Printed Cotton (July30–October 20, 2019)

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting cultural heritage such as fine art, decorative art, archeologicalmaterials, historical documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges
between Japan and the rest of Asia as well as the origins of Japanese culture. Moreover, in an effort to further
improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite temples, shrines and private individuals to donate or entrust
their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They feature
a double-walled structure, designed to prevent external air from outside the Museum from directly reaching thecultural properties, and are located in the heart of the building to minimize changes in temperature and humidity. The
air conditioning facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidityof the storage area to be constantly maintained at more or less the same level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling ofeach storage room are made from materials procured from local suppliers in Kyushu, such as cedar, to help ensure
an appropriate humidity level without overly depending on air conditioning devices. The Museum was constructed asa seismically isolated structure, to prevent cultural properties from damage caused such as by toppling over during
earthquakes. The building does not receive a direct impact in the event of an earthquake, and this helps protect thepriceless cultural properties located inside.

●Restoration

Special Exhibition, The Muromachi
Shoguns: Involvement of fifteen
ASHIKAGAs in wars and arts (July
13–September 1, 2019)18

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paper andother materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also being actively utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to berestored.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historically interacted with Japan. Other efforts include
areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Operation of the Kyuhaku-go mobile museum⑤ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑥ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s picture books” for children⑦ Supporting volunteer activities
We encourage various volunteer activities at the museum in areas including exhibition explanations,educational programs, guided tours（including behind the scenes ”Backyard Tours”）, the environment,
events, and Data compilation.
“Kyuhaku-go” mobile museum●Exchange Activities①Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
②Promoting exchange among Asian museums
Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum (Korea), the Gonguju National Museum (Korea), The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum (China), the Museum of Inner Mongolia (China), Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, Sichuan
Museum (Chengdu, China), Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum (China), the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Fine Arts Department of
the Ministry of Culture (Thailand)③Hosting international symposia and lecture events■Research and Survey Activities
The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and Asian Countries”
and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized for ourcollection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by the governmentfunded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for cultural activities.
・Research on using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the structure of culture heritage
artifacts
・Research on improving and expanding the system for safeguarding underwater archeological sites.
・Research on educational outreach programs aimed at enhancing museum visitors’ understanding through theuse of explanatory panels, booklets, workshops, etc. tailored to exhibition themes
・Research on the conservation and restoration of Japanese and Asian cultural heritage in museums
・Research on the continued use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in museum crisis management

Survey of restoration techniquesin the National Museum of Royal
Barges, Thailand■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Visual guide）: A guide providing information on Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) in an accessible formatiii）	Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iv）	Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history format to encourage understanding andfamiliarity.

Brief History

1994: T he Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee to investigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (the Committee)”.
1996: A CA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: T he Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
1999: T he Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
2000: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
	The ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conference
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)” developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
2001: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic
exhibition design”.
	The Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the National Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishmentof the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
2003: T he National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparationof the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction
works”.

	ACA, the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named theMuseum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: T he National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “preparationof the exhibitions”.
	The National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
	Kyushu National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
2007: T he Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: J apan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu National Museum.
2012: KyushuNational Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

159,844

Building

Building Area
NICH

Exhibition andExhibition Area Total
Repository Area Prefecture
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675  5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

19

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

SAITO Takamasa
Director General
Tokyo National
Reseach Institute forCultural Properties

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, in the implementation of its roleof supporting the work of the government in the administration of cultural properties, conducts
fundamental, systematic, up-to-date and practical research on all types of cultural properties, bothtangible and intangible. It actively disseminates the results of such research, provides guidance andadvice to local public organizations regarding the preservation of cultural properties, and conducts
international cooperation activities, with different countries in Asia and other regions of the world,on the protection of cultural properties through the trainings of personnel and the transferring ofconservation and restoration techniques.
The priority areas on which the Institute is focusing in its survey and research work are outlined
below: Firstly, the Institute is working to build up comprehensive archives from the various types ofresearch results, basic databases and source materials that the Institute has collected over theyears. In addition, in the conservation science field, the Institute promotes coordinated projects with
the Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, of which theInstitute forms a part, with respect to surveys and research relating to the preservation, restorationand publication of museum materials. Thirdly, in regard to intangible cultural heritage, the Institutecollects basic data and materials nationwide, focusing mainly on performing arts and traditional
techniques, and makes them available to the public, etc.
Besides the above activities, the Institute operates the secretariat office of the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage, a base organization for promoting thecoordination and collaboration of Japan's contribution in this area.

■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems collects, preserves,
collates and publicizes information relating to cultural properties, and also undertakes researchon the development of effective methods for the transmission of information, with the aim of
expanding the scope of cultural property archives. At the same time, the Department aims torealize a new kind of information science through measures tackling issues of contemporary
relevance in the fields of cultural properties studies and art history research, etc. The
Department also takes the results obtained in these activities as the basis for managing theinformation systems and public relations activities of the Institute as a whole.

Documentation Research on KOMURO Toru, a sculptor
in the Local Museum of Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, focusing in particular on Japan’s
intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible cultural properties, intangible folk-culturalproperties, and techniques for preserving cultural properties. Audiovisual documentation, asignificant method for the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, is conducted and new
methods of documentation are also investigated.
Making uda-paper●Center for Conservation Science
The Center for Conservation Science implements surveys of cultural property materials,
construction and techniques, and collects information that contributes to a more in-depth
understanding of cultural properties. In addition, it conducts research into the improvement of
restoration materials and techniques and into maintenance management methods; the Center
also implements activities relating to the adoption of new survey techniques. Moreover, thecenter works closely with those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restorationof cultural properties and their owners.

Breeding of test insects used for insecticidal
effect of humidity-controlled warm air treatment●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asia and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The center is commissioned to manage the secretariat for the Japan Consortium forInternational Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

20

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Restoration work of the east gate of Ta Nei Temple site in Angkor, Cambodia

■Seminar, Advice, and Guidance
The Institute conducts various training seminars and provides professional advice as well as technical guidance for the protection and utilization ofcultural properties. These include an International Course on the Conservation of Japanese Paper, annual training for museum curators in charge ofconservation, advice on safeguarding intangible cultural properties, inspection assistance and advice on the museum environments, and investigation
and advice concerning the conservation of cultural properties.

International Course on Conservationof Japanese Paper

Training for museum curators■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
Provides the results of its research to the public in the hope of nurturing the next generation of experts andraising public interest. The institute has collaborated with the Tokyo University of the Arts since 1995 and is incharge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public lectures, the Department of Art Research, Archives andInformation Systems, and the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage present their research achievements every
year.

■Dissemination of Research Information

The 53nd Public Lecture

The Institute is engaged in actively communicating with the public and making
the results of its diverse activities accessible through presentations at various
academic conferences and the hosting of research meetings and symposiums,
etc.. Publications such as the Annual Report, Leaflet for the 8th Public Profile
and TOBUNKENNEWS are published, and the website of the institute is updated
constantly.

TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（https://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications

Publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbook of Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural
Heritage, and Science for Conservation. It It also publishes the results of various additional research studies through, for example, the publication ofvarious reports.

The Bijutsu Kenkyu(Journal of Art Studies)

Brief History

Yearbook of Japanese Art

1930: E stablished as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organization of the Imperial
Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the national Museum
1950: A ffiliated with the national Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: R
 eorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural Properties
1954: R
 enamed as Tokyo National Research Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: A ffiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: C onstruction of new offices
2001: R estructured as the Independent Administrative Institution, National Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage, as Tokyo National Research Institute for Cutural Properties

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

Science for Conservation

Facilities
Land Area
Building（m2）		
Building Area
Gross Floor Area

4,181

2,258
10,516

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 202021

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

MATSUMURA Keiji
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties(President of the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage)

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an organization that engages in the studyof tangible cultural heritage, has conducted excavation research at the Nara and Fujiwara Palacesites, investigated cultural objects（such as historical documents, ancient architecture and gardens）and has also made efforts to preserve the Asuka region through its research and exhibition
programs. These activities contribute to academic exchanges, international support and the studyof cultural heritage in Japan and abroad. For example, they have resulted in ongoing joint research
partnerships with institutes in China and Korea. We also endeavor to develop new excavation technology and research methods as well as to provide technical training for local government specialists.
Our methods of preservation, restoration and maintenance that we developed to protect historical sites are not only appreciated by researchers in Japan, but are also utilized in excavations
globally. Our research activities are supported by our own
interdisciplinary joint research in different fields. It is our
responsibility to maximize the results of our efforts in the
research and preservation of cultural properties.

●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section, and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies andother organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, promote multilingualization in the sections, arrange international joint research projects and engage in international
cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, andcarry out photography and the development of new technology.

Promotion of multilingualization (hearings
with staff in charge of multilingualization at
Nara and Kyoto National Museums)●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Sites Management Research Section.
These sections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively:
calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; culturallandscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The research
activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental activities
concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration,conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, and provides
advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.

A survey on the cultural landscape of
Nakagawa, Kyoto city.

●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized in five sections: the Archaeology Sections 1, 2 and 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Feature Section. These sections undertake interdisciplinary research on the basis of archeological excavations of ancient palaces, temples, tombs located in the Heijo area and in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. The research
results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also contributes
to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.
【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation and research at the Nara Palace Site (Special HistoricSite), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）.
Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130 hectare site
has been excavated and surveyed so far. The finds from excavation at the sites of the palace andancient temples, and such as architectural remains, wooden tablets（used for written documents）,
earthenware vessels and ceramic tiles, have been verified with reference to historical records; thisempirical research on the Nara period undertaken by the Department has won widespread plaudits.
The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Site to the Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）as basic data to support the maintenance ofthe national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

Structural remains discovered at the Eastern
Administrative Office Sector of Nara Palace Site

【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）】
The Department is in charge of excavation and research on the Asuka and Fujiwara area that
constituted Japan’s political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th
and early 8th centuries when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka
district include palaces and the residences of elite clans the sites of temples such as Asukadera
temple（the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan）a workshop that produced ancient coins and glassa water clock and various tombs. To the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first largescale planned city in Japan, covering a vast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary, empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka
and Fujiwara areas has made a major contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of
the Asuka period.

22

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Excavation survey of the Daigokuden (Imperial Audience Hall) of the Fujiwara Imperial Site

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four research sections, which undertakepractical research relating to the survey, research and conservation of cultural heritage, as well as
providing training activities based on the Center’s research results, etc. The Conservation Science
Section undertakes a wide range of research, from fundamental research to practical research,
relating to surveys and analysis of the materials and structures of archaeological objects, the insitu display of archaeological remains, etc. The Environmental Archaeology Section undertakes
research relating to the simulation of ancient environments and how animals and plants were usedin the past, etc., through surveys of and research on the remains of flora and fauna. The Dendrochronological Dating Section uses the methods of dendrochronology to advance applied researchon techniques for determining the age and origin of wooden cultural heritage items, and for determining how they were made, etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section develops surveying and measurement techniques, with a particular focus on the surveying and measurement ofarchaeological data, with the aim of furthering the development and effective utilization of methods
for researching cultural heritage and archaeology; this Section also undertakes disaster archaeology surveys and research.
●Asuka Historical Museum

Investigation and analysis of tuna bones
excavated from a shell mound of the Jomon
periodThe Asuka Historical Museum, a facility that showcases the history and culture of the Asuka Period, was established in 1975 following a decision made by the Japanese Cabinet. Besides theMuseum’s regular exhibitions, which have thematic displays relating to palaces, stone structures,
tombs and temple sites, etc., visitors can also see the reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of Yamada-dera Temple and objects excavated in and around this site. The Museum holds Special Exhibitions in spring and autumn and Feature Exhibitions in summer and winter, with displays
focused on the history and cultural heritage of the Asuka Period, displays that present the resultsof the wide-ranging research undertaken by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties in an easy-to-understand way, displays featuring photographs of cultural heritage items, etc.
The Museum also hosts lectures, participatory activities, etc.
●International Academic Exchange
The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties contributes to international exchange
and collaboration through activities such as joint research, expert exchange, conservation
and restoration, support and training using its expertise and technology, and the Networking
Core Centers for International Cooperation on the Conservation of Cultural Heritage projectcommissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Further, it also participates in international
contribution projects related to cultural properties and conducted by other institutions such as
ACCU (Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO).
The Institute’s main projects include: (1) joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social
Sciences involving comparison of ancient capital sites; (2) joint research with the Henan Provincial
Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, China into artifacts, etc. excavated from kiln sites;(3) joint research with the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, China,
into artifacts belonging to the culture of the Former, Later, and Northern Yan; (4) joint researchwith the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, into the formation and processesof development of ancient Japanese and Korean culture , as well as exchanges of personnel
on excavation sites; (5) research, conservation, and restoration, undertaken with Cambodia’s
Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA),at the Western Prasat Top site, as well as a human resource development project; (6) international
dissemination of Japanese archaeology through online resources and publications, in collaboration
with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures in the U.K. We are also
working on technology transfer and human resource development for the National Museum of the
Republic of Kazakhstan through a Networking Core Centers for International Cooperation on theConservation of Cultural Heritage project commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Exhibited the East Corridor of Yamada-dera
TempleTraining invited by the Networking Core Centers for International Cooperation on the Conservation of Cultural Heritage project●Publications
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as Overview of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, BULLETIN Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, NABUNKEN NEWS, CAO NEWS Centre for Archaeological Operations, and
NABUNKEN RONSO. It also publishes the results of various additional research studies.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consistingof the General Affairs Division, the Historical Research
Division, the Architecture Research Division, and the Art
Research Division）is established at 50 Kasugano-cho,Nara City, as an auxiliany organization of the National
Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1954: R enamed as the Nara National Cultural Palace Site in
Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1960: T he office of the Heijo Palace Site Investigations opened in
the former Nara Place Site in Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1963: H eijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: A ffillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（established1968）
1970: N ara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: F inance Section, Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division, and Asuka Historical Museum established
1974: D epartment of General Affairs and the Center for
Archaeological Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka
Village, Nara
1980: A rt Research Division transferred to the Research Center
for Buddhist Art, Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to 2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City. Heijo Palace Site
Investigation Division and the Center for Archaeclogicaloperations are transferred together to the new site.
1988: N ew headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace
Site Investigation Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto-cho,Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute for Cultural Heritage, as the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
2013: Relocated to temporary premises Iocated at 247-1 Sakicho, Nara City, while the original head office site is being
redeveloped.
2018: Following the completion of renovation work on the Institute’s headquarters building, the Institute was relocatedfrom temporary premises back to the renovated headquarters building

Facilities

（m2）
Land Area

Headquarters Area

Building
Building Area
8,879 Gross Floor Area

2,812
11,387

Located on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

10,631
16,150Fujiwara Area

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Asuka Area

Building Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Heijo Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 202023

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
At the 35th Session of UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, approval was given
to Japan to establish an international research centre for intangible cultural heritage in the
Asia-Pacific region. After this approval, the Japanese government concluded an agreementwith UNESCO in August 2010, and established the International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) in Sakai City in October
2011, as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (institutions that serve tocontribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s strategic objectives).

IWAMOTO Wataru
Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

IRCI’s objectives are to promote the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of theIntangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguardingof ICH through instigating and coordinating research in the Asia-Pacific region. Today,
many elements of ICH are endangered all over the world due to various factors. The
safeguarding of ICH is now undeniably an urgent issue. IRCI collaborates with universities
and research institutions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to promote research on thepractices and methodologies of ICH safeguarding.

■Activity Plan for FY 2020
IRCI promotes research as an international research hub for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region
while contributing to its enhancement using Japan’s long-term experience in cultural
heritage management. Its activities focus on:
１． Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
２． Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
３． Cooperating with Sakai City to Promote ICH
In FY 2020, IRCI will conduct the following projects.
●Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
１． Research Data Collection
The data collected from surveys of 32 countries were added to the IRCI’s researchdatabase (https://www.irci.jp/ichdb/). IRCI has collected various data, mainly in consultation
with individual researchers. In FY 2019-2021, however, IRCI will systematically andsustainably collect information on the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH andrelated research by establishing a collaborating mechanism in cooperation with designatedresearch institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
２． Research on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development – Education and Community
Development
In FY 2018-2019, IRCI implemented a project to promote the contribution of ICH towards
the realisation of Goal 4 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting education. In
FY 2020-2021, IRCI will conduct a series of case studies focusing on the roles ICH plays inachieving the SDGs, notably goals on Quality Education (4.7) and Community Development(11.4).
●Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
１． Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries
in AsiaThis project, which is currently in the process of implementation(FY2017-2020), examines ICH under conflict-affected situations,and specifies the risk factors that threaten the viability of ICH. IRCI
completed data collection and surveys on current ICH elementsthat are on the verge of extinction in Sri Lanka (Northern Province),
Timor-Leste, and Afghanistan. In FY2019, IRCI conducted a desksurvey and small-scale field work on identified ICH. In FY 2020,as the final year of the project, IRCI will organise an international
workshop to share the outcomes and challenges in the three-year
project, conducted in 5 districts of the target countries.

24

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

Discussion at a meeting for Research Data
Collection Project（Tokyo, Japan, February 2020）

２． Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management
Asia-Pacific countries are frequently exposed to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and volcanic
eruptions, all of which having a severe impact on society. Given such circumstances, IRCI implemented a preliminary research andorganised an international workshop to discuss the roles of ICH in disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation, and disaster resilience. As
a new project in FY 2020-2022, the current state of research on ICH and DRM since 2018 will be studied. Ultimately, the research aims
to categorise the disasters into types and provide practical recommendations, including models of DRM and ICH safeguarding measuresfor each category.

●Cooperating with Sakai City for Promoting ICH
IRCI widely disseminates information and a clear vision of ICH to the Japanese people,
in addition to providing them with various opportunities to learn about ICH in cooperation
with Sakai City; these opportunities include permanent displays of IRCI panels at the Sakai
City Museum. Moreover, Sakai City and the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage had
co-hosted an annual symposium on cultural heritage since FY2015. At this event, IRCI's
information panels were also displayed, and publications were distributed.

●Communications and Publicity
The FY2019 version of the IRCI Brochure, which illustrates the latest research projects
with various pictures, was published in English and Japanese. It has been distributed to

Displaying panels at the symposium(Tokyo, Japan, July 2019)

UNESCO headquarters, local offices, Category 2 Centres, and the National commissions
for UNESCO in each country, as well as to research institutes and universities, both at home and abroad. In addition, IRCI regularly updates its
mobile friendly website and frequently releases new information regarding its research activities and ICH. Further, IRCI published the following
publications in FY2019 to disseminate information and the results of its activities.
1.

Brochure of IRCI (Japanese and English)

2. Proceedings of International Researchers Forum: Perspective of Research for Intangible Cultural Heritage towards a Sustainable Society(English)3.

Project Report on "ICH's contribution towards SDGs" project (English) (PDF)

4. Guidelines for “ICH's contribution towards SDGs” project for non-formal education in the Philippines (2nd edition, English)
5. Guidelines for “ICH's contribution towards SDGs” project for formal education in Viet Nam (2nd edition, Vietnamese)

Brochure of IRCI

Brief History

Proceedings of International
Researchers Forum:
Perspective of Research for
Intangible Cultural Heritage
towards a Sustainable
Society (English)

Project Report on "ICH's contribution towards SDGs" project (English) (PDF)

Oct . 2009  : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: ‌Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between theJapanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011:   ‌Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and
the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011:   Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011:   Official opening of IRCI
Dec. 2018: A greement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between theJapanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2019: A greement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between Sakai Cityand the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

Guidelines for “ICH's contribution towards SDGs” project(Left) for non-formal education in the Philippines (English)(Right) for formal education in Viet Nam (Vietnamese)

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area

244.67Gross Floor Area

244.67

Number of Rooms

4※The Building is provided by Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

25

Ⅴ Reference Materials
Special Advisory Board（As of April 1, 2020, titles omitted）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinionsfrom many fields concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of theBoard. The number of board members is set at 20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms.
ANDO Hiroyasu: President, Japan Foundation

DAN Fumi: Actress

UEHARA Mahito: Executive Director, Tatsuuma Archeologi-

NISHITAKATSUJI Nobuyoshi: C hairman of the Board, Dazaifu

cal Museum
KAMII Monsho: Head Priest, Byodoin Temple

Tenmangu Shrine
NISHIMURA Yasuhiko: G rand Steward, Imperial Household
AgencyKARAIKE Koji: ‌Representative Director and Chairman of theBoard, Kyushu Railway Company

FUJII Joji: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University

KINOSHITA Naoyuki: D irector, Shizuoka Prefectural Museumof Art

FURUSE Natsuko: Professor Emeritus, Ochanomizu University

SATO Teiichi: F o r m e r A m b a s s a d o r E x t r a o r d i n a r y a n dPlenipotentiary, to the UNESCO

HOKOI Shuichi: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University

SHIMIZU Mazumi: Executive Director, Mitsui Memorial Museum

YANAGIHARA Masaki: P resident, Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of
Art

TANABE Ikuo: Director, Buddhist Art Association

External Evaluation Board（As of April 1, 2020, titles omitted）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of
their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
OGASAWARA Naoshi: P resident, Avantia GP

TERASAKI Yasuhiro: P rofessor Emeritus, Nara University

KOJIMA Kaoru: Department of Aesthetics and Art History,
Faculty of Humanities Professor, Jissen

TERADA Yoshitaka: Professor Emeritus, National Museumof Ethnology

Women’s University
KOMATSU Taishu: Director, Eisei-Bunko Museum
KAWAI Masatomo: E xecutive Director, Chiba City Museum ofArt
SAITO Tsutomu: Professor, Research Department, National
Museum of Japanese History
SAKAKIBARA Satoru: Specially Appointed Director, Okazaki
City Museum
SAKAMOTO Hiroko: ( Full-Time) Audit & Supervisory Board
Member, The Asahi Shimbun Company
DEGAWA Tetsurou: D irector, Museum of Oriental Ceramics、
Osaka

26

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

NAGOYA Akira: Former Deputy Director of the Goto Museumof Art
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University
YANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: Advisor to the “Temples & Shrines
Project” by the Yomiuri Shimbun(Former Member of the Editorial
Writer Board, The Yomiuri Shimbun)

BudgetFiscal Year 2020 Budget
Estimated Income（Unit: JPY1,000）

SourceFiscal 2020

Fiscal 2019

Self-generated Income

2,089,818

1,930,752

Government funding for operating expenses

8,633,262

8,592,869

Income from commissioned projects

636,629605,045

Grant for facilities improvement

197,737

993,952

Others (Donations, etc.)

779,858

648,778

Total

12,337,304

12,771,396

Estimated Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）

PurposeFiscal 2020

Operational expenses

Fiscal 201910,723,080

10,523,621

Personnel

3,733,205

3,724,784

Supply costs

6,989,875

6,798,837

Expenses for commissioned projects

636,629605,045

Facility improvement

197,737

993,952

Others (Donations, etc.)

779,858

648,778

Total

12,337,304

12,771,396

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research①

Fiscal 2020

Number of
projects②

Multi-year Fund Fiscal 2020

AmountNumber of projects（Unit：JPY1,000）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2019）
Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Research Grants（Fiscal 2019）
Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat

0

0

0

（0）

0

2

532,0130

0Tokyo National Museum

931,64022（0）41,951

6

224,7203

70,070

Kyoto National Museum

1

2,340

5

（0）

2,600

3

7,167

0

0

Nara National Museum

2

11,310

4

（0）

1,690

2

18,8163

9,000

Kyushu National Museum

422,620

3

（0）

4,810

4

18,787

2

29,710Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

7

31,15018（0）21,8409150,091

5

6,100

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

24

108,89044（0）46,60552

316,826

9

10,992

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

0

0

0

（0）

0

1

47,591

1

5,000

47

207,950

96

119,49679

1,316,011

23

130,872

Total※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2020.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※With regard to research topics for which both ① and ② were awarded (partial funding), the number of projects is included under the respective totals for ① and ②;
the figure given in parentheses for ② is the number of projects for which both types of Grants-in-Aid were awarded. Please note that the figures given include
indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

27

Ⅵ Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

Individuals who donate to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation are eligible for a partial income tax deduction through the “Donation
Deduction” system.
A FY2010 amendment to the tax law reduced the minimum annual tax-deductible donation amount from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen, so any
individual who donates more than 2,000 yen annually to Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporations will be eligible for a tax deduction. As
a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating income tax.
*Please note that tax deductions for donations may also be available with respect to individual Resident Tax, depending on the regulations
adopted by the local authority for the area where the individual taxpayer is officially resident.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. Furthermore, the reform of the tax system in 2011 raised the ceiling for the amount of donations that
could be included as deductible expenses. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2 (Where the business year covers a period of less than
one full calendar year, the calculation must be performed on a pro-rata basis according to a specified number of months. Also, please note thatthe calculation formula is different in the case of corporations that do not have capital stock (such as NPOs, etc.)【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:

Institution

Financial Donations

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Tokyo National Museum

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Kyoto National Museum

Department of Finance

Department of Registration andImage Services

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Curatorial Division, Planning
Section0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30-3916

General Affairs Section

072-275-8050

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat, Financial Affairs

03-3822-2439

International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (IRCI)
Inquiries not specifying
institutions

28

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2020

○MembershipTokyo National Museum, Nara National Museum and Kyushu National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member System,
while Kyoto National Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association.
To encourage people to visit our museums more frequently, Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National
Museum and Kyushu National Museum have all established their own membership systems. In addition, to mark the 10th
anniversary of the establishment of the National Institutions for Cultural Heritage, a new “National Museums Members Pass”
system was established in 2017, which applies to all four National Museums. We welcome new members at any time of the year.
Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Name
AnnualMembership
Fee

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

National Museum Members Pass
Regular2,000 Yen (tax included)

Student

1,000 Yen (tax included)

Permanent
Exhibitions

Tokyo National Museum: Regular Exhibitions
Kyoto National Museum: Collection Galleries
Nara National Museum: Exhibition from the Permanent Collection
Kyushu National Museum: Cultural Exchange Exhibition• On showing your Members Pass, you can view any of these permanent collection
exhibitions an unlimited number of times (this applies only to the person in whosename the Members Pass is registered)Special
Exhibitions

Members Pass holders can view special exhibitions held at any of the four National
Museums an unlimited number of times at a specially discounted ticket price.
• On showing your Members Pass at a National Museum ticket oﬃce, you can purchasea special exhibition ticket at the group ticket price (this applies only to the person inwhose name the Members Pass is registered)• Students can purchase a special exhibition ticket at the student price, which is thesame as the group ticket price (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)SpecialPrivileges

How to Apply

You can apply for a Members Pass at one of the National Museum ticket oﬃces, or bypost, using postal remittance.

For More Information

General Aﬀairs Division
General Aﬀairs Division
Membership System Administrative Division
General Aﬀairs Division
Planning Oﬃcer
Manager
075‑541‑1151
092‑918‑2807
0742‑22‑4450
03‑3822‑1111○Campus Members System

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) events. From corporate parties to international conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range ofactivities.

○Diversifying Visitor Experiences

To diversify visitor experiences, opening hours at the national museums are extended on Fridays and Saturdays, and various
nighttime events are held. Eﬀorts are being taken to facilitate understanding for foreign tourists, such as adding multilingual
information labels and audio guides at exhibition galleries, namely in English, Chinese and Korean.

Kyuhaku Night ★ Fantasia (Kyushu National Museum)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201929

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Museum of
Nature and Science

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Park Exit

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

JR UenoStation

Police Box

NTokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:
JR Line: 10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station
Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Ueno Station
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Nezu Station
Keisei Line: 15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: https://www.nich.go.jp/